Apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly
A drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a drilling rig skid and a derrick assembly having a derrick assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly comprises a pair of derrick masts disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack, and a carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion. The drilling rig assembly also comprises a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, a pipe loader assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis, and a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial.
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This application relates back to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 61/572,087 titled “Apparatus and Method for Drilling Rig” and filed on Jul. 11, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to drilling rig assemblies, and particularly to derrick and pipe loader assemblies for drilling rigs.
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ARTIt is known to provide a drilling rig assembly with derrick and pipe loader assemblies adapted to be moved so as to align drill pipe sections and the like. Conventional derrick and pipe loader assemblies on drilling rig assemblies, however, suffer from one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional derrick assemblies are either rack-and-pinion or dual mast assemblies. As a result, conventional derrick assemblies having a rack-and-pinion assembly can provide downward force on a drill pipe section, but the rack must be offset from the longitudinal axis or hole center causing undesirable overhung load and limited open space for working and tooling. Conventional derrick assemblies having a dual mast assembly use a cable system which avoids overhung loads but is not capable of providing any downward force on the drill pipe sections without undesirable supplemental cable systems. Conventional derrick and pipe loader assemblies also do not have a pipe loader assembly pivot axis that is co-linear with the derrick assembly pivot axis. As a result, conventional derrick and pipe loader assemblies cannot align drill pipe sections at all derrick mast angles and locations without separate adjustment of each assembly. Conventional derrick and pipe loader assemblies are also undesirably expensive, complex and heavy. In addition, in conventional drilling rig assemblies, the pipe loader assembly is not integral with the drilling rig skid. Conventional drilling rig assemblies also have derrick assemblies and pipe loader assemblies that cannot be adjusted together as a unit. Further, in conventional drilling rig assemblies, the pipe loader assembly is not disposed directly beneath the derrick assembly and it must be adjusted separately from the derrick assembly when the derrick assembly is adjusted.
It would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly could be provided that would include a rack-and-pinion, dual mast derrick assembly adapted to provide downward force to a drill string section, avoid overhung load and maximize open space for working and tooling. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would have a pipe loader assembly pivot axis that is co-linear with the derrick assembly pivot axis. It would be further desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would align drill pipe sections at all derrick mast angles and locations. It would be still further desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would be inexpensive, simple and light. In addition, it would be desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would integrate the pipe loader assembly with the drilling rig skid. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would permit the derrick assembly and the pipe loader assembly to be adjusted together as a unit. Further, it would be desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided in which the pipe loader assembly is disposed directly beneath the derrick assembly and it does not require separate adjustment when the derrick assembly is adjusted.
Advantages of the Preferred Embodiments of the InventionIt is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention described and claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that includes a rack-and-pinion, dual mast derrick assembly adapted to provide downward force to a drill string section, avoid overhung load and maximize open space for working and tooling. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that has a pipe loader assembly pivot axis that is co-linear with the derrick assembly pivot axis. It is a further advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that is adapted to align drill pipe sections at all derrick mast angles and locations. It is a still further advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, maintain and repair, simple in design and light-weight. In addition, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a derrick assembly and pipe loader assembly that are an integral part of the drilling rig skid. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a derrick assembly and pipe loader assembly that may be adjusted together as a unit. It is a further advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a pipe loader assembly that is disposed beneath the derrick assembly and that does not require adjustment separate from the adjustment of the derrick assembly.
Additional advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe apparatus of the invention comprises a drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a drilling rig skid adapted to support the drilling rig assembly and a derrick assembly having a derrick assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly comprises a pair of derrick masts disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack, and a carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion. The drilling rig assembly also comprises a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid that is adapted to move the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, a pipe loader assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid, and a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid that is adapted to move the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial.
The method of the invention comprises a method for drilling. The method comprises providing a drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a drilling rig skid adapted to support the drilling rig assembly and a derrick assembly having a derrick assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly comprises a pair of derrick masts disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack, and a carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion. The drilling rig assembly also comprises a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid that is adapted to move the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, a pipe loader assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid, and a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid that is adapted to move the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial. The method also comprises moving the derrick assembly relative to The drilling rig skid and moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid.
The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the drilling rig assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by
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The invention also comprises a method for drilling. The preferred method for drilling comprises providing a drilling rig assembly as described and claimed herein. The method further comprises the steps of moving the derrick assembly and the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. Preferably, the derrick assembly and pipe loader assembly are moved pivotally relative to the drilling rig skid.
In operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that includes a rack-and-pinion, dual mast derrick assembly adapted to provide downward force to a drill string section, avoid overhung load and maximize open space for working and tooling. The preferred embodiments of the invention also provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis that is co-linear with the derrick assembly pivot axis. The preferred embodiments of the invention further provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that is adapted to align drill pipe sections at all derrick mast angles and locations. The preferred embodiments of invention still further provides an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, maintain and repair, simple in design and light-weight. In addition, the preferred embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a derrick assembly and pipe loader assembly that arc an integral part of the drilling rig skid. The preferred embodiments of the invention also provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a derrick assembly and pipe loader assembly that may be adjusted together as a unit. The preferred embodiments of the invention further provide an apparatus and method for a drilling rig assembly having a pipe loader assembly that is disposed beneath the derrick assembly and that does not require adjustment separate from the adjustment of the derrick assembly.
Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A drilling rig assembly, said drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising:
- (a) a drilling rig skid, said drilling rig skid supporting the drilling rig assembly;
- (b) a derrick assembly pivotally attached to the drilling rig skid at a derrick assembly pivot axis, the derrick assembly adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid and comprising; (1) a pair of derrick masts, said pair of derrick masts being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising at least one rack; (2) a carriage assembly, said carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, the carriage assembly being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion;
- (c) a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, said means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid being adapted to move the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid;
- (d) a pipe loader assembly pivotally attached to the drilling rig skid at a pipe loader assembly pivot axis, the pipe loader assembly adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid;
- (e) a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, said means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid being adapted to move the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid;
- wherein the derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial.
2. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 further comprising a strut, said strut being disposed between the pair of derrick masts and the drilling rig skid.
3. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the derrick assembly comprises a drill floor.
4. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the derrick assembly comprises a hose carrier.
5. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pivot assembly, said pivot assembly being disposed adjacent to the derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis.
6. The drilling rig assembly of claim 5 wherein the pivot assembly is disposed adjacent to the derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis.
7. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the pair of masts are disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.
8. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the carriage assembly comprises a hydraulic motion system.
9. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one rack is disposed on each of the pair of derrick masts.
10. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid comprises a derrick assembly actuator.
11. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid comprises a derrick assembly hydraulic cylinder.
12. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid comprises a pipe loader assembly actuator.
13. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the pipe loader assembly is disposed beneath the derrick assembly.
14. The drilling rig assembly of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid comprises a pipe loader assembly hydraulic cylinder.
15. A method for drilling, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a drilling rig assembly, said drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising: (1) a drilling rig skid, said drilling rig skid supporting the drilling rig assembly; (2) a derrick assembly pivotally attached to the drilling rig skid at a derrick assembly pivot axis, the derrick assembly adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid and comprising; (i) a pair of derrick masts, said pair of derrick masts being disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack; (ii) a carriage assembly, said carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, the carriage assembly being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion; (3) a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, said means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid being adapted to move the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid; (4) a pipe loader assembly pivotally attached to the drilling rig skid at a pipe loader assembly pivot axis, the pipe loader assembly adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid; (5) a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, said means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid being adapted to move the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid; wherein the derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial;
- (b) moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid;
- (c) moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jul 10, 2012
Date of Patent: Mar 18, 2014
Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc. (Chattanooga, TN)
Inventors: Dan Marty (Valley City, OH), Eddie Stuckert (Cleveland, OH), Kalpeshkumar Patel (Akron, OH)
Primary Examiner: Brian Glessner
Assistant Examiner: Beth Stephan
Application Number: 13/545,133
International Classification: E21B 15/00 (20060101);